Situation In Alappuzha District Still "Volatile": Plea To Prohibit Upcoming PFI, Bajrangdal Marches, Kerala High Court Seeks State's Response

The Kerala High Court on Thursday sought a response from the State government on a plea that prayed for a prohibition on public conferences, marches, mass drills and motorcycle rallies as part of 'Jana Maha Sammelanam' proposed to be conducted by the Popular Front of India (PFI) this Saturday in the Alappuzha district. Justice N. Nagaresh asked the Government Pleader to get instructions on the plea filed through Advocate Sreekumar G. Chelur. The petitioner pointed out that the district of Alappuzha has faced violent clashes during the last few months, citing the political murders of RSS activist Nandu, SDPI State Secretary K.S.Shan and State Secretary of OBC Morcha Ranjith Sreenivas by cadres belonging to rival political organizations. It was submitted that the entire district had gone into terror and therefore, a prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC was issued on 19.12.2022, which was in force till 22.12.2022. Movement of the citizens and other gatherings were restricted in view of this prohibitory order. The brutal attacks also witnessed subsequent inflammatory speeches, which led to the registration of crimes in different police stations in the Alappuzha District, he argued. "The entire state was on the verge of communal clashes."Despite the District being still volatile for further attacks, the respondents have allegedly not taken effective steps to curtail the same, the petitioner has alleged. In fact, the Kerala State Committee of PFI recently announced that it will be conducting 'Jana Maha Sammelanam' at Alappuzha on 21.05.2022. A Volunteer March of the Cadres of the Popular Front of India, in their uniform, is also scheduled to be held on the said date. It is understood that Cadres of the PFI from all the districts of Kerala will be assembling in the district. National leaders and leaders from other states are also excepted to address the conference, it is averred.The petitioner submitted that the cadres of the Popular Front of India have been convicted and accused in different murder cases. Further, the recent attacks and the subsequent inflammatory speeches reveal that the entire district of the Alappuzha is still volatile to communal clashes.Therefore, unless the programmes scheduled by the PFI and Bajrangdal are prevented, there is every chance for communal clashes according to the petitioner. It was also submitted that considering the threat posed by these programs, the petitioner had filed a representation before the District Police Chief seeking his indulgence in the issue and to prevent the programs scheduled by the rival organisations. However, the respondents have allegedly not taken any action to prevent the programs.Aggrieved by the inaction on the part of the respondents, the petitioner moved the Court praying that the respondents be directed to ensure that no processions, Marches, Mass Drill, Motor Cycle Rally etc. are being conducted by the Popular Front of India or Bajrangdal at Alappuzha District, pending disposal of the writ petition.Case Title: R.Ramaraja Varma v. State of Kerala

Situation In Alappuzha District Still "Volatile": Plea To Prohibit Upcoming PFI, Bajrangdal Marches, Kerala High Court Seeks State's Response

Hannah M Varghese

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